John Cooper Works returns to beef up the MINI lineup in 2015 after a brief hiatus while the brand released a completely revamped product for the 2014 model year. Like the M cars are to BMW, JCW is MINI’s powerhouse and usually follows a little while after a new model is released.
The JCW treatment involves substantive upgrades in looks, power and handling over the MINI Cooper S. The 2015 iteration is MINI’s mightiest model yet with the Twin Power Turbo inline four-cylinder engine producing 228 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. That’s a hefty amount of power for this size vehicle so it’s no surprise this vehicle moves.
You won’t be mistaking this for an entry-level trim either as the body has significantly more flair or more colors. This tester came with a bright red roof, mirrors & pin striping which screams for attention. The aggressive front fascia numerous grills and air inlets to help keep the engine and brakes nice and cool. Specially-forged 18” mags to accommodate the upgraded brakes adorn all four corners and are wrapped in 205/40/18 Pirelli rubber.
The interior is equally adorned with material that gives it a very “racing” feel. You’ll find racing bucket seats which hold you firmly in place and a beautiful red-stitched leather steering wheel as well as John Cooper Works badging in several places.
This was my first time testing a MINI and I was impressed by just how different the cockpit was compared to any other car. The term cockpit is appropriate because the controls reminded me of an airplane cockpit with lever-type switches on the roof and center console. Even the start button isn’t a button but rather a lever that you push up or down. The main circular display is and features colored lighting that changes as you turn up the sound system volume. Everything feels tight and well made.
Tight would be how I’d describe the entire driving experience. MINI reaches an almost go-kart level of handling, acceleration and braking and even though this car didn’t have a manual transmission it was a blast to drive. That tightness does come with a price that is the harsh ride. You feel just about every bump in the road but this isn’t a Buick we’re talking here so it should come as no surprise.
Many people might shy away from purchasing a MINI because of its size but in all honesty I didn’t feel as if I was driving a small car at all. I would even describe the driving position as having an elevated feel. The interior is snug but again, you aren’t buying this vehicle to accommodate your five kids (it is, after all, only a four seater). Fuel economy was, as you’d expect, impressive. I averaged roughly 6L /100km.
You can buy a base-model MINI Cooper 3-door for $20,990, a Cooper S for $25,490 and the JCW for $33,240. With nothing down you’re looking at a monthly payment around the $600 range including taxes, freight and prep.
